Giovani Bernard Fantasy Owners: Be Patient

By Jay Cullen

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Giovani Bernard has a lot of potential, but as of now, that’s all — just potential. Bernard is a rookie for the Cincinnati Bengals competing for carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Bernard, as a rookie, is somewhat unknown, but as a third or fourth running back in fantasy, that can be a positive.

Bernard has shown a lot of potential, especially as a pass catcher out of the backfield. That kind of catching talent is also a perfect fit for the Bengals as they like lots of short throws. Bernard has some serious PPR potential, but is even valuable in standard leagues.

The issue that many have with him is that they worry about his ability to score touchdowns. Although Bernard got some short-yardage carries in the preseason, most believe that Green-Ellis will get those touches. Truth be told, the Bengals probably have set plays planned for short carries, some where Bernard will be more useful, and others intended for Green-Ellis.

Regardless of who is the starter day one, Bernard has a real chance to get 80 percent of the carries by year’s end. Bernard can simply do more for the Bengals team than Green-Ellis. The veteran Green-Ellis will probably start with the lion’s share of touches, but expect Bernard’s work load to grow as the year goes on. For those who own Bernard, stay patient. At first, he will not explode, but do not drop him or lose faith. As the year goes on, his talent should win out.

Bernard is a great player to have stashed on the bench. The key is not to drop him or start him before he gets his chance. This guy has the skills; just wait for him to get his chance and be rewarded.

Jay Cullen is a New York Giants and fantasy writer for Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter.